Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP Alasdair Allan has welcomed the news that Seafood Scotland has been awarded almost £1 million of EU funding to showcase Scottish produce at international trade shows.
Support in the latest round of the European and Maritime Fisheries Fund will enable industry body Seafood Scotland to exhibit in seven trade shows around the globe over the next 12 months.
Alasdair Allan MSP commented:
“This funding boost is very welcome for the seafood industry across the Western Isles. It will allow Seafood Scotland to raise awareness and enhance the already considerable global profile of the overall Scottish Seafood industry, while helping individual businesses to expand into new markets and increase consumer awareness of their fine products.
“This is just one of many examples which highlight the importance of EU funding to the Western Isles, and for the seafood sector across Scotland. Scotland’s fishing industry is a vital part of the country’s rural economy, with the overall fishing fleet generating £437 million last year.
“The Western Isles seafood industry contributes considerably to Scotland’s national exports, so it is vital that our EU funding is protected. This new round of funding clearly illustrates the crucial importance to Scotland of the European marketplace, and the opportunities to expand our local businesses and grow our rural economy EU membership provides."
